The Southeastern Conference will gather its coaches, players and media representatives in Tampa, Florida, from July 20 to 23 for its annual preseason media extravaganza, marking the first time the city and the state of Florida have hosted the event.
LSU and Southern University, two of the conference’s most storied programs, will each be represented by a new head coach. Lane Kiffin, recently hired by LSU, and Marshall Faulk, the new leader of Southern, are expected to draw considerable attention as they outline their visions for the upcoming season.
A New Era for Both Programs
What stands out about their upcoming media days is the decision by both coaches to attend without a quarterback on stage. The absence is notable given the position’s central role in any football discussion, especially as each school evaluates its offensive direction.
At LSU, the spotlight will fall on Sam Leavitt, who transferred from Arizona State earlier this offseason. Despite undergoing foot surgery that limited his participation in spring practices, Leavitt is slated to be the quarterback who leads the Tigers’ offense when the season begins.
Southern, on the other hand, has yet to name a starting quarterback. The uncertainty surrounding the position adds an extra layer of intrigue to the university’s media session, as fans and analysts alike await clues about the team’s offensive strategy.
Both coaches will use the platform to address not only the quarterback questions but also broader themes such as recruiting, player development and the cultural shift they hope to instill. Their presence underscores a commitment to transparency and engagement with the media ahead of the competitive schedule.